CJE SeniorLife offers ongoing support groups and programs on a wide variety of topics of interest to seniors and their families. Fees vary according to the program and individual circumstances and some groups may be partially covered by Medicare and supplemental insurance. For information or to join a group, call CJE SeniorLife at 773/508-1000 or visit us online at www.cje.net for full calendar listings and support group meeting dates/times.

Mindfulness Stress Reduction

Meets every Tuesday from 1 to 2:15 p.m.

Mindfulness helps people increase their awareness about where their thoughts and attention are focused, and to keep that focus—in the present moment. Mindfulness helps the individual deal with the following issues in particular: Chronic illness or pain; negative thoughts and feelings about oneself; and all types of stress and anxiety. This therapy group is led by David Donaldson, L.C.S.W. at Bernard Horwich Building, 3003 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago, IL 60645. $30 per session; group is 6 sessions, may be covered by Medicare and secondary insurance. Participation requires advanced screening and registration. Please call 773/508-1129 for more information about this group.

Does difficulty with communication due to dementia make traditional exercise classes a challenge to you or a loved one? Dance therapy has many benefits for persons with dementia. You do not need to be a dancer to participate! So come with a passion for music and movement and discover new strengths while gaining the support of others with similar challenges. This dance therapy program is led by a dance/movement therapist, Erica Hornthal, LCPC at Weinberg Community for Senior Living, Gidwitz Place, 1551 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL 60015. $35 per class per individual package rates available. An extra $10 is charged if a caregiver, spouse or family member accompanies participant. Please call 847/848-0697 for more information about this group.

Support Group for Family Caregivers

Meets first Tuesday of every month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Need an understanding ear as you care for an aging loved one? North Shore Congregation Israel and CJE SeniorLife are offering an ongoing support group for caregivers of older adults. Meet others who face similar challenges, discover new resources of information, and find ways to cope with and relieve the stress of caregiving. The group will be led by CJE SeniorLife social worker Emily Mysel, M.S.W. at North Shore Congregation Israel, 1185 Sheridan Road, Glencoe, IL 60022. Free and open to the public. For more information about this group, call Emily at 847/236-7863.

Parkinson’s Support Group for Caregivers

Meets third Tuesday of every month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Individuals who are involved in the care of someone with Parkinson’s can learn about Parkinson’s and caregiving, meet others who face similar challenges, and discover ways to relieve caregiver stress and burn-out. The group is led by social workers Nina Afremow, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. and Julie Katsman, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. Open to the public. Weinberg Community for Senior Living, Gidwitz Place, 1551 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL 60015. For more information about this group, call Nina at 847/236-7853.

Living Life Through Loss: A Drop-In Bereavement Support Group

Meets every Wednesday, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

Any adult over the age of 60 who has lost a loved one in the past three years is encouraged to attend. Sponsored by CJE SeniorLife and the Jewish Healing Network. There is a $5 fee for each session. Bernard Horwich Building, 3003 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago, IL 60645. For more information, call 773/508-1129.

Making Connections: Seniors with Adult Children with Disabilities

Meets first and third Tuesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

This support group offers families an opportunity to connect, share experiences and learn about benefits and community resources. Sponsored by CJE’s Linkages Program. There is no charge. Bernard Horwich Building, 3003 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago, IL 60645. Those interested in attending must register in advance by calling 773/508-1694.

Caregiving Support Group for Loved Ones with Dementia – Evanston

Meets the first and third Wednesday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon.

This support group is for individuals who are involved in the care of a loved one with dementia. Participants will learn about dementia and caregiving; meet others who face similar challenges and share experiences; discover ways to relieve caregiver stress and burn-out. On-site respite care available during the support group (pre-registration required). CJE SeniorLife Adult Day Services, 1015 Howard St., Evanston. For more information and to pre-register, call Amy Zann, L.C.S.W., at 773/508-1690.

Holocaust Survivors - Coffee and Conversation

Meets every Monday and Thursday throughout the month. Sponsored by Jewish Child and Family Services (JCFS) and CJE SeniorLife.

A regularly rotating series of Monday morning programs, each one focused on a different aspect of Yiddish culture and experiences through readings, film viewings, and conversation. All sessions in English. There is no charge. Bernard Horwich Building, 3003 W. Touhy Ave. Chicago, IL 60645. For more information, call 773/508-1000.

Join Les Mitnick on a journey into the world of creative writing. This ongoing writing class will help you develop your writing skills or enhance the skills you’ve already acquired. This program is free and open to the community. Registration required. Bernard Horwich Building, 3003 W. Touhy Ave. Chicago, IL 60645. For more information, call 773/508-1000.

For word lovers and game players of all skill levels. Learn the classic game of Scrabble or get tips to sharpen your skills with instructor and tournament director Joe Cortese. There is no charge. Bernard Horwich Building, 3003 W. Touhy Ave. Chicago, IL 60645. For more information, call 773/508-1000.

* * * * * * * *Since 1972, CJE SeniorLife has enhanced the lives of older adults and their families through an innovative, comprehensive network that includes life enrichment programs, supportive resources, healthcare, research and education. CJE is a partner in serving the community, supported by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. For more information about CJE services, call 773/508-1000 or visit www.cje.net.